Flossing tends to be the one dental hygiene task that we all seem to pass on during our daily routine. But flossing is actually one of the most important oral health practices so it’s vital that you do it every single day. Here, we’ll explain 5 ways to make flossing easier so you won’t have any excuses when it comes time to floss.
1. Stop the Bleeding in No Time
Have you ever flossed your teeth and then noticed blood when you spit into the sink? The reason your gums bleed is because you’re actually not flossing often enough. This means that the only cure for bleeding gums is to floss every day. In about a week or two, your gums should have stopped bleeding and much healthier thanks to daily flossing. If the bleeding has not gone away be sure to call us.
2. Learn the Technique to Flossing
It may sound odd, but there is a right way to floss. First, wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle finger of one of your hands and the rest around the other middle finger. Then, grip the floss between your forefinger and thumb and rub the floss between the teeth in a C along the natural shape of the tooth. Make sure you’re holding the floss firmly against the tooth while you move it up and down to clear out any debris. Continue this same technique throughout the mouth and be sure to use fresh floss as you go so you’re keeping debris out of the mouth for good and not just moving it around.
3. Find the Right Floss for You
There is the traditional floss that we all know, but there are also floss threaders which allow you to more easily get into those hard-to-reach places, especially if you have some type of dental appliance like braces or a bridge. There are also dental picks which have a pointy end to attack the plaque that builds up between your teeth on one side and floss on the other.
4. Make flossing a Part of Your Day
We usually don’t floss because there often doesn’t seem to be enough time in the day. By combining flossing with something you already do, it won’t seem like an extra step. For example, floss in the shower or floss while you’re reading the morning news on your phone.
5. Flossing Can Help You Get the Smile of Your Dreams
It may seem like a stretch, but the cleaner your teeth the better you’ll feel. When your teeth are freshly flossed, all of that plaque buildup has been removed and your teeth actually appear cleaner and healthier. In turn, this can make you feel better and make you more dedicated to practicing good oral health habits.
Another important part of achieving your perfect smile is coming in for regular checkups and cleanings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
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